It is easy to take for granted the good things we have happen to us on a regular basis. Our outpost of the Lord’s army is growing, has young people that truly love God, and our giving continues to out-pace our budget year over year, even in times when you think it might wane, faithful Christians sow bountifully and will reap bountifully”-II Corinthians 9:6. The work we do for the Lord’s body is to be done with a smile, but all glory goes to, “only God who gives the growth.”-I Corinthians 9:6.
Praise him Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Year Attendance Giving (budget)
Jan-June 2021 47 $2891 (2450)
Jan-June 2022 65 $2831 (2625)
Jan-June 2023 80 $3650 (2625)
Jan-June 2024 85 $4061 (2846)
Jan-June 2025 78 $4296 (3062)
The flock of Christ has grown and so has the need for shepherds. Tom Cunningham was ordained an elder in the church at North Second Street. Tom joins our original elders, David Brown and David Muiznieks. Jim Lahue and Alva Waelde are our deacons at the moment. Our elders intend to add to their number shortly.
The new auditorium has already been approved for all permits. A few bids and banking details need to be ironed out before breaking ground.
Speaking of numbers. Our average attendance for the first half of 2025 is down by a couple. We have had a few of our brothers and sisters move or leave our congregation1. But we continue to call up reinforcements. We have four families expecting children in the next six-to-eight months. Plus, Matt and Kacy Rabbit (Millie) added Jon Bradley last month. Austin and Jenna Kerr brought Lorna Vess into this world to make parents of themselves and grandparents of David and Serena. Alva and Jeri (Everleigh) welcomed Stella to their family in February. We are so blessed at North Second Street.
The first half of 2025 also brought heartache to our spiritual family. Melanie Johnson passed away after a long illness. She and Ronnie were part of the original group of Christians who met in the mechanic’s shop on Riverside Drive. On the same day we had gathered for Melanie’s funeral, came news that long-time member Louise Hibbs had passed away in her home. How blessed we are to have known such godly women. Praise God for our weaker vessels!
We added new adult Christians to our number as well. The Daniel and Kate Greens, Jeff Martin, the Taylor and Hannah Smiths all joined us this year.
As we move into the final five months of the year, expect periods of great enthusiasm. The excitement of something new will certainly buoy us along at times. But seasons of growth always see attacks from Satan as he tries to divide and conquer our Christian family. Remember the words of the apostle Peter:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”-I Peter 5:8-9.”
Pray for strength to grow and serve as an individual. Ask God to send us more sinners and workers. We need the latter to teach the former. It is Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost. It is ours to encourage and teach those in need of the grace purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.
May God grant us grace and peace.
Leave a Reply